A sterilization system is configured to emit optical energy, e.g., light, for sterilizing a surface, such as a door handle, faucet handle, elevator button, or other target surfaces known in the art. The sterilization system is configured to operate automatically in response to detection of a users hand interfacing with the handle. In other words, after a user releases a handle, the sterilization system is actuated to sanitize the handle for subsequent users.
